The legendary Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure continues to be the best value for money all-rounder on the market. Now in it's 36th year of production, the big single still impresses...
The mighty Kawasaki KLR has been a popular trail bike for almost 40-years, from the KLR600 of 1984 to 1987, when the KLR650 arrived, it has been putting smiles on riders faces for decades, all at the right price. We ride the go anywhere, anytime, in KLR time, machine…
Check out our review on the KLR650 here…
It takes a special bike to get me out riding on a Sunday these days, which kind of sucks, as I do miss those days of Sunday being bike day with mates. But riding upwards of 40 bikes per year, sometimes 60, I do enjoy having Sunday free for… working on bikes, or taking my son MX racing, or building model bikes, or watching bikes on TV. Sometimes I have a break from bikes altogether… Kidding…. Anyway, the KLR is one such bike. I rode it every Sunday that I had it. Here’s my video…
TECH TALK, KLR650 ADVENTURE
Since the first version was released in 1987, Kawasaki have advertised the KLR650 as the one bike to do everything. Kawasaki say the touring-hungry dual-purpose machine will eagerly travel long distances, while offering the versatility to accommodate off-road as well as the daily commute.
They also claim the 2022 KLR650 offers a riding position for terrific all-day-comfort, plenty of carrying capacity, an efficient engine and a large fuel tank for extended time between fill ups. It is as happy on a 10-minute run to the supermarket as it is on a 10-day cross-country tour. With a 21-inch front wheel and plenty of suspension travel, the KLR650 should strive in off-road situations.
For the 2022 KLR650, a change to fuel injection offers a claimed increase in reliability and fuel efficiency. A new fuel tank design that minimises residual fuel volume, numerous strengthened parts and increased riding confidence when carrying luggage, reduced vibrations and increased generator capacity contribute to improved reliability and ride comfort.
Both intake and outlet cam profiles have been revised, improving mid- range torque characteristics. Stronger cam chain guide material and shape contributes to reliability. Updates to the clutch (clutch release bearings have been changed from ball bearings to thrust-needle bearings)and transmission (revised 3rd gear dogs and shift fork) have been made to allow for the KLR to be an easier ride.
The rear frame is now integrated with the main frame to form a stronger skeleton for the bike, along with this, the swingarm was extended by 30mm. The swingarm pivot shaft diameter was also increased from 15mm to 17mm. Changes to the suspension were also made with front and rear suspension strokes increased to 200 mm and 185 mm, respectively, which Kawasaki say favours favour on-road riding performance while enabling off-road excursions.
2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Highlights
- Fuel injection
- LED lighting
- Larger (300 mm) front brake with ABS
- Longer range 23 L fuel tank
- Digital instrument panel
- Two-position adjustable wind shield
- Large, strong aluminium carrier mounts
- Increased generator output
Kawasaki KLR650 ADVENTURE extras (as tested)
- Locking Panniers
- Fog Lamps
- Frame Sliders
- DC and USB Sockets
2021 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure Specifications
Price: $11,785 ex Sydney R/A Click here and enter postcode for R/A price
Colour: Cypher Camo Grey
Claimed Power: 28.5kW@6,000rpm
Claimed Torque: 51.5Nm@4500rpm
Wet Weight: 222kg
Fuel capacity: 23L
Warranty: 24 months unlimited km
Engine: Liquid-cooled, DOHC, single-cylinder four-stroke, 652cc, 4-valve, 100mm x 83mm bore x stroke, 9.8:1 compression, EFI, five-speed gearbox with wet clutch.
Chassis: Semi-double cradle, high-tensile steel
Rake: 30° Trail: 121mm
Suspension: 41mm telescopic fork, 200mm travel, Uni-Trak with adjustable rebound and spring preload, 185mm travel.
Brakes: Single 300 mm petal disc, dual piston, ABS. Single 240mm petal disc, dual-piston.
Wheels & Tyres: Spoked wheels, 90/90-21 (f) 130/80-17 (r)
Dimensions:
Length: 2280mm
Height: 1420/1455mm
Width: 970mm
Seat Height: 870mm
Wheelbase: 1540mm
Ground clearance: 210mm
Instruments & Electronics: LCD cluster, USB Port, 12V Socket.
KLR650 Adventure Gallery
The Verdict | Video Review: 2022 Kawasaki KLR650 Adventure
Engaging!
With some major upgrades to bring the KLR650 into the Euro5 era, and an Adventure kit available in Australia, the KLR just became an even better option for the thrifty adventure touring rider. We put it to the test on and off road…
Restyled fairings.
The Author
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